One of The Beatles' original members, Paul McCartney, frequently talks about his early years in Liverpool and the impact some individuals had at the time. John Lennon is one notable individual.

When McCartney and John Lennon first began performing together, Lennon served as both a bandmate and a mentor. Both Paul and John had to deal with difficult situations and the rough streets of Liverpool when they were young. But in spite of these difficult circumstances, John stood out from his peers thanks to his keen intellect and quick wit.

Consider a group of young trees in a forest that are all attempting to get stronger and taller. One tree stands out among them, its leaves catching the sunlight first thing every morning as if it were reaching for the sky with more assurance than the others. Among McCartney's young friends, that tree stands in for John Lennon. Everyone appreciated how he stood out for his leadership abilities and intelligence in addition to his physical presence.

The extent to which John encouraged McCartney to think more critically and creatively is a testament to his admiration for him. The dynamic duo that would go on to become legendary figures in music history was greatly influenced by their relationship. Beyond their musical partnership, John's influence on Paul spanned personal development, encouraging McCartney to push himself to the edge and pursue greatness.

As demonstrated by The Beatles' early years, this type of respect and admiration among members of a close-knit group can be immensely potent. It demonstrates how powerful people like John Lennon have the ability to influence not just their immediate environment but also the people they mentor in the long run.